Handy Tool Lab

Two-layer driveway material estimator

Gravel Driveway Calculator

Estimate compacted aggregate base and surface gravel separately, then total the tons, cubic yards or cubic meters, truckloads and material cost.

Base density checked against FHWA estimating dataUpdated

Driveway inputs

Measure the driveway

Driveway sectionsAdd rectangles for parking pads, turnarounds or wider entrances.
Layer 1

Compacted aggregate base

Layer 2

Surface gravel

Total gravel to order28.71 US tons

For 600 sq ft with 6 in base and 2 in surface, including 10% allowance.

Base layer22.94 US tons
Surface layer5.78 US tons
Total volume16.30 yd³
Truckloads1.91 loads
Base material costUSD 803
Surface material costUSD 260
Total material costUSD 1,063
Driveway area600 sq ft

Layer check

Driveway profile

2 in surface gravel
6 in compacted aggregate base
Prepared subgrade
Main driveway50 ft x 12 ft600 sq ft

Transparent estimate

Calculation breakdown

  1. 1
    Total area

    50 ft x 12 ft = 600 sq ft

  2. 2
    Base layer

    600 sq ft x 0.5 ft x 139 lb/ft³ / 2,000 = 20.85 US tons

  3. 3
    Surface layer

    600 sq ft x 0.1667 ft x 105 lb/ft³ / 2,000 = 5.25 US tons

  4. 4
    Order quantity

    (20.85 + 5.25) x 1.10 = 28.71 US tons

The calculator applies allowance to both volume and weight. Do not add a second compaction factor when the entered density already represents the material condition used for ordering.

Reference values

Why base and surface density differ

Aggregate base

FHWA lists aggregate base at 139.0 lb/ft³ for estimating purposes. The calculator uses this as the editable compacted base default.

Surface gravel

USGS reported an average gravel weight near 2,820 lb/yd³, about 104.4 lb/ft³, while also noting substantial variation. The surface default is 105 lb/ft³.

Supplier confirmation

Gradation, moisture, source rock and compaction change bulk density. Replace both defaults with quarry or supplier values when available.

Primary referencesFHWA estimating weights tableUSGS sand and gravel weight discussionFHWA earthwork density guidance

Gravel driveway calculator FAQ

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

Calculate each layer volume from area and finished depth, multiply by the density for that material, convert pounds to tons, then add the selected ordering allowance.

Why calculate the base and surface separately?

Base aggregate and surface gravel can have different depth, gradation, density and price. Combining them under one density can distort both tonnage and cost.

How many cubic yards fit in a gravel truck?

Truck limits may be based on weight rather than volume. This calculator estimates loads from the entered ton capacity; confirm legal payload and delivery minimums with the supplier.

Does this calculator design driveway layer depth?

No. Required excavation, geotextile, base depth, drainage and surface material depend on soil, traffic, climate and local practice. Enter the finished depths specified for the project.

Does the estimate include excavation and delivery?

No. Results cover material quantity and the entered per-ton prices. Excavation, grading, fabric, labor, delivery charges, equipment and taxes are separate.